Password Spraying

What is Password Spraying?

Password spraying is a cyberattack where attackers use common passwords across many accounts. Unlike brute force, it avoids lockouts.

The attacker attempts to access multiple accounts using a list of frequently used passwords. This method is stealthy.

Analyzing Password Spraying

Methodology and Execution

Password spraying involves a strategic approach. Attackers use lists of common passwords, targeting numerous accounts simultaneously. This technique minimizes the chances of detection by avoiding rapid failures.

The execution of password spraying is methodical. Attackers typically obtain username lists and pair them with frequently used passwords, systematically testing these combinations. This increases the likelihood of success.

Advantages for Attackers

One key advantage of password spraying is its stealth. By using common passwords, attackers avoid account lockouts, which are triggered after multiple failed attempts with a single account.

Additionally, password spraying exploits human tendencies. Many users rely on simple passwords, increasing the success rate for attackers. This makes the technique both efficient and effective.

Mitigating the Threat

Organizations can mitigate password spraying by enforcing strong password policies. Encouraging unique, complex passwords reduces the likelihood of attackers successfully guessing them.

Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an added layer of security. Even if a password is compromised, MFA ensures that account access requires additional verification.

Implications for Cybersecurity

Password spraying highlights vulnerabilities in current cybersecurity practices. Reliance on common passwords presents significant risks, emphasizing the need for robust security measures.

The increasing sophistication of cyberattacks urges organizations to prioritize cybersecurity. Proactive measures can effectively counteract threats like password spraying, safeguarding critical data and infrastructures.

Use Cases of Password Spraying

Banking Sector

In the banking sector, attackers use password spraying to target accounts with common passwords, such as "123456" or "password." Compliance officers must monitor for unusual login attempts to mitigate unauthorized access and potential financial fraud.

E-commerce Platforms

Password spraying is often employed against e-commerce platforms to gain unauthorized access to customer accounts. Compliance officers should implement robust password policies and monitor for repeated login attempts from unusual IP addresses to protect customer data and transaction integrity.

Software Companies

Attackers leverage password spraying on software company platforms to infiltrate user accounts and access sensitive data. Compliance officers need to enforce multi-factor authentication and monitor for patterns of failed logins to safeguard proprietary information and maintain user trust.

Marketplaces

Online marketplaces are frequent targets of password spraying to hijack accounts and manipulate listings or transactions. Compliance officers should ensure the implementation of account lockout mechanisms after several failed attempts to prevent unauthorized access and preserve marketplace integrity.

Based on my research, here are some recent statistics about password spraying attacks:

Password Spraying Statistics

• A botnet of over 130,000 devices has been conducting password-spray attacks against Microsoft 365 accounts worldwide, targeting accounts protected with basic authentication and bypassing multi-factor authentication. This botnet has been active since at least December 2024, with its command and control servers set to the Asia/Shanghai timezone. Source

• In the first quarter of 2025, Rapid7's Managed Threat Hunting team observed a significantly heightened number of password spray attacks, with the majority (70%) originating from Brazil, while Venezuela and Turkey each accounted for 3% of these attacks, Russia and Argentina each contributed 2%. Source

How FraudNet Can Help with Password Spraying

Password spraying is a prevalent threat that can compromise business security, but FraudNet's advanced AI-powered solutions are designed to detect and mitigate such attacks in real-time. By leveraging machine learning and anomaly detection, FraudNet identifies unusual login patterns and provides actionable insights to prevent unauthorized access. Businesses can rely on FraudNet's scalable platform to enhance their security posture and maintain trust with customers. Request a demo to explore FraudNet's fraud detection and risk management solutions.

FAQ: Understanding Password Spraying

1. What is Password Spraying? Password spraying is a type of cyberattack where an attacker attempts to gain unauthorized access to a large number of accounts by trying a common password or a few passwords across many accounts.

2. How does Password Spraying differ from Brute Force attacks? Unlike brute force attacks, which try many passwords on a single account, password spraying uses a few common passwords across many accounts to avoid detection and account lockouts.

3. Why is Password Spraying effective? Password spraying is effective because it exploits weak password policies and the tendency for users to use common passwords, allowing attackers to bypass account lockout mechanisms.

4. What are common targets for Password Spraying attacks? Common targets include organizations with a large number of users, especially those using cloud services, as well as any system with weak password policies.

5. How can individuals protect themselves from Password Spraying? Individuals can protect themselves by using strong, unique passwords for each account, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating passwords.

6. What measures can organizations take to prevent Password Spraying attacks? Organizations can implement strong password policies, monitor for unusual login attempts, deploy multi-factor authentication, and educate employees about the risks of using common passwords.

7. How can Password Spraying be detected? Password spraying can be detected by monitoring for multiple login attempts from a single IP address, especially if they target multiple accounts, and by looking for patterns of failed login attempts.

8. What should I do if I suspect a Password Spraying attack? If you suspect a password spraying attack, immediately change your passwords, notify your IT department or service provider, and check for any unauthorized access to your accounts.